In today's world, finding ways to save money while maintaining control over the ingredients we use is becoming increasingly important. One area where this is particularly true is laundry detergent. By making your own laundry detergent at home, you not only save money but also gain the ability to tailor the ingredients to your preferences. Here's how DIY laundry detergent can help you save money, control ingredients, and simplify your life.
Cost Savings:
One of the most significant benefits of making your own laundry detergent is the cost savings. Commercial laundry detergents can be expensive, especially if you have a large family or do a lot of laundry. By making your own detergent using simple ingredients like washing soda and epsom salts, you can significantly reduce your laundry expenses without sacrificing cleanliness.
Ingredient Control:
Store-bought laundry detergents often contain a long list of ingredients, including artificial fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals. By making your own detergent, you have complete control over what goes into it. You can choose natural ingredients that are gentle on your clothes and skin, making it especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Plus, you can customize the scent using essential oils, allowing you to enjoy the natural fragrance of your choice without any synthetic additives.
Simplicity and Convenience:
DIY laundry detergent is incredibly easy to make and requires only a few basic ingredients. Once you have your recipe down, you can whip up a batch in no time, saving you the hassle of frequent trips to the store. Additionally, homemade detergent typically comes in powdered form, which means you don't have to worry about storing bulky containers or dealing with messy spills. Simply mix up a batch, store it in a sealed container, and use as needed—it's that easy!
DIY laundry detergent offers a multitude of benefits, from saving money to controlling ingredients and simplifying your life. By making your own detergent at home, you can enjoy clean, fresh-smelling laundry while knowing exactly what's in your cleaning products. So why not give it a try? Your wallet and your health will thank you!
As a starting point, I have included my favorite laundry detergent recipe. My neighbor Carol shared it with me. We have both been making it for quite a while now and just love it. It's simple, quick, and inexpensive. I'd encourage you to try it out!
Homemade and Non-toxic Laundry Detergent
• 2 cups washing soda (bake baking soda at 400 degrees for 1-2 hours until grainy)
• 2 cups baking soda
• 2/3 cup Epsom salt
• 3 Tablespoons salt
Mix it all together thoroughly. I use 1 tablespoon per load, or 2 tablespoons for a bigger or greasier load. I sometimes like to use 1/2 cup white vinegar in the fabric softener slot of the washer.
